J.S Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No.5

Question 1

what common form is this in

Answer 1

concerto grosso

Question 2

what instruments are in the concertino

Answer 2

solo flute, solo violin, harpsicord

Question 3

what instruments are in the ripieno

Answer 3

a string orchestra

Question 4

what instruments play the continuo

Answer 4

the harpsichord (when its not playing a solo part), cello, double bass

Question 5

what important role does the harpsichord play in this piece 1

Answer 5

it has a prominent solo role (as well as playing in the continuo) which is unusual for the period. it is very complex at times, and is completely unaccompanied in bars 163-176

Question 6

what important role does the harpsichord play in this piece 2

Answer 6

in some places the harpsichord player completes the harmony by realising the figured bass.

Question 7

what style is is 3rd movement of the concertino in

Answer 7

gigue

Question 8

what technique is the music written as

Answer 8

fugue

Question 9

what form is the third movement in?

Answer 9

ternary form

Question 10

ternary form expanded in this piece

Answer 10

the first section is repeated after a contrasting middle section

Question 11

what bars consist of section A

Answer 11

1-78

Question 12

what bars consist of section B

Answer 12

79-233

Question 13

what bars consist of section C

Answer 13

233-end

Question 14

what key is section A in

Answer 14

D major

Question 15

what key is section B in

Answer 15

b minor (the relative minor)

Question 16

what key is section C in

Answer 16

D major

Question 17

what bars consist of the main melodic section

Answer 17

1-29

Question 18

what happens to the main melodic section in this piece

Answer 18

it is repeated throughout the piece (in full or in part) with contrasting sections in between

Question 19

what is another word for the structure of the main melodic section in the piece

Answer 19

ritornello

Question 20

where does the fugue start in this piece

Answer 20

the concertino instruments and then passes to the ripieno at bar 29

Question 21

how does the harpsichord play complex parts in this piece

Answer 21

it plays quick semiquavers (e.g. in bar 42). the other parts are much simpler at these times, creating a light orchestral texture

Question 22

what 4 musical devices are played in this piece

Answer 22

sequencing, pedal point, stretto, trills

Question 23

what bars are pedal notes used in

Answer 23

79-85, 90-95, and 100-106

Question 24

what instruments are pedal points played by

Answer 24

viola, cello or double bass

Question 25

what effect does the stretto have in this piece

Answer 25

it builds up the intensity of the texture

Question 26

what instruments play the stretto in this piece

Answer 26

violin, viola and cello

Question 27

what bars are the stretto played in

Answer 27

64-68